Mediterranean store at Cleveland's West Side Market hit by roof leak

Two days after Sunday's persistent rain flooded part of his West Side Market store, Mediterranean Imported Foods, owner Gus Mougianis said he has not heard from city officials on what action they might take to stop the leak. He says it's the fourth time this year he's reported flooding after a rain at the city-owned property.

Mougianis, whose family has run the European specialty store since 1968, shared copies of his written complaints about leaks in April and July. At least one was marked "Urgent" and another warned of a risk of mold. He said his first complaint, over a leak in January, was verbal.

"The city keeps saying, 'We're working on it,'" he said. "Or, 'We have to get an architect.'"

A request for comment from the city was not immediately answered.

In July, market vendors were told by Felicia Y. Hall, the market's manager, that "The city is currently receiving quotes for the roof."

Mougianis said he went to the market's management office on Monday and filed a complaint on the latest damage with a clerical employee there. The employee took photographs of the water in Mougianis' shop and the fallen plaster and later brought him paperwork to file a damage claim against the city.

Mougianis said he believes the leaks originate in the roof of the building and flood an inoperative restroom above his store. Then it runs down a hallway on the retail level and beyond that to his two-story basement office and storage area.

"Look closer," counterman Mark Pentilla said of the hallway. "It's still dripping."

"I'm overwhelmed," said Mougianis' wife, Maria, whose parents founded the store. "What are we going to do with the city? This is the worst leak yet."

Gus Mougianis said he hasn't yet tallied the damage to product in the storage areas, or what losses he might have from his dark day on Monday.

He said he's aware the city often has to put work out to bid in a lengthy process, but finds it agonizing.

"How long can I last like this," he said. "Let's hope it doesn't rain tomorrow."